Important ‘Winter Fun’ Information for First Timers/Beginners

Update

UPDATE (3-14-19): Due to the rain and warm temps we have made the following changes to the weekend-
Snow tubing is now closed for the season.
Skiing and snowboarding hours are as follows:
Closed Friday.
Saturday 10 am to 6 pm with night rates all day long.
Sunday 11 am to 6 pm with night rates all day long.
We will still be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day without the $10 discount because night rates are a better deal.
Still a lot of snow on the ski slopes. Once the temps drop below freezing Thursday night and Friday night the groomers will be out giving you the best possible conditions.

Seven Oaks is the place to ski, snowboard and snow tube in central Iowa! Located in Boone – a quick drive from Ames, Fort Dodge, Des Moines, Johnston, Urbandale, Waukee, West Des Moines, Grimes, Adel, and other surrounding communities.

Tips For Your First Day

Everyone that will be skiing and/or snowboarding will need to provide their shoe size, height and weight. This information is used to properly outfit you with your rental equipment.

Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. We have designed our facility and programs for people just like you. You will learn more in one of our mini-lessons or paid private lessons than you will all day from your friends. Skiing and snowboarding is FUN and we want everyone to experience it.

You will want to become familiar with the map above. We recommend that everyone start on “School Yard” and take one of our beginner mini lessons. Once you feel comfortable stopping and turning on “School Yard” proceed to “Abby’s Alley” as it is is the next easiest ski/snowboard run.

Included with purchase of a lift ticket, we provide beginner mini lessons to skiers and snowboarders ages 7 and above. Lessons are offered every hour, on the hour- listen for the announcement over the PA at the rental building. Beginners under age 7 are welcome if accompanied by an adult, however, we strongly recommend that they take a one hour paid private lesson.

Everyone learns at a different pace. It is important to keep your expectations reasonable. This way both you and your children have a successful and rewarding day on the slopes. Some factors that can affect learning include your temperament (how open you are to new things), age, and physical ability. Both skiing and snowboarding take special skills that improve with practice over time. Ultimately, your expectations for you and your kids should focus on the fun and excitement of the overall experience.

Before enjoying the excitement of Skiing and Snowboarding. Please read some other important safety information to help you have a safe and fun filled day.

Print this waiver, read and sign it ahead of time and bring it with you when you purchase your lift ticket to start skiing, snow boarding or snow tubing more quickly.

Shop, Eat and Quench Your Thirst

Retail merchandise including Seven Oaks logo shirts, hoodies, caps, as well as in-season winter items including sun glasses, lip balm, sunscreen, goggles, wax, stomp pads, gloves, and many more of the “oh, I forgot” items. Snow Joe’s, which is open during our winter season, offers a variety of sandwiches, fries, pizza, nachos, soft drinks, cookies, hot chocolate, and more. When the slopes are open, Snow Joe’s is open!

HAVE FUN!

Things to Bring

No surprise here, bring clothes that will keep you warm and dry. We do not recommend cotton clothing (jeans and a sweatshirt) as an inner or outer layer. Cotton easily becomes wet. You will end up cold, wet and miserable.

Layer Up – The best way to dress for winter is to wear layers. This gives you the flexibility to add or remove layers, depending on the weather and your level of activity. Avoid cotton next to your skin, it will absorb sweat and make you cold. Synthetic or wool base layers help to wick moisture away from your skin. It is better to be warm than cold, you can always shed a layer.

Socks – One pair of light or medium weight only! No Cotton! Socks made of polyester, silk, wool, or nylon are preferred. Thick socks or multiple layers of socks, get uncomfortable, give you blisters, and reduce circulation: all of which lead to cold feet. Ski and snowboard boots are designed to be warm so do not wear more than one pair of socks. Resist that temptation!

Hat – 60 % of body heat is lost through the head. If your head is warm, the rest of your body is likely to stay warm.

Gloves – Gloves or mitten should be water proof. Mittens are often better for those susceptible to cold hands.

Outer Layer – You probably have a winter jacket already. Again it should be water resistant. Water resistant pants are very important. Your first day will introduce your butt to the snow, so keep it dry and warm.

You may not need as many layers of clothing as you think. On a sunny day, you may only need two layers; the waterproof outer layer and the synthetic (turtleneck/long underwear) wicking layer. But bring a middle layer (fleece or wool sweater) just in case. You can always take off a layer as you get warmer. In general, the three main layers are:

Wicking layer next to skin usually consisting of long underwear. Look for thermal underwear made of a synthetic (usually polyester). Such material will wick (move) moisture away from your skin and pass it through the fabric so it will evaporate. This keeps you warm, dry and comfortable. Wicking layer should fit snug but not tight.

Insulating layer (middle layer that keep cold out). This middle layer includes sweaters, sweatshirts, vests, and pullovers. This layer keeps the cold out and the heat in. Comfort is the key, it should be loose enough to trap air, but not so bulky that it restrict movement.

Weather protection layer – exterior layer guarding you against the winter elements. It should repel water from the snow and block the wind. Again, avoid cotton as it will absorb moisture from the snow and make you cold. This layer should fit comfortably, offering maximum range of motion.